Principal Research Chemist

Salary/Position Classification

• $120,000 Annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• 100% Remote Work Availability: No
• Hybrid Work Availability: No

Purpose of Position

This position is located at the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC), an international leader in energy and environmental research, conducting projects for clients throughout the United States and the world. The EERC offers opportunities to people with an exceptional work attitude, dedication to high professional standards, and commitment to personal development. We are looking for confident, scientifically trained, and market-oriented individuals to contribute to the success of the organization by performing one or more of the following functions:

• Work in strong collaboration with EERC subject matter experts, principal investigators, and EERC leadership to conduct laboratory analyses and experiments and interpret laboratory data to support research activities related to energy development, carbon management, and development of natural resources.    
• Work as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to ensure that laboratory work is successfully completed on time, on budget, and within client expectations.
• Perform analytical research focused on chemical and geochemical evaluation of critical minerals, various combustion fuels and by-products, catalysts, water, oil, rocks, and other natural and manmade materials.
• Ensure that laboratory data and results are of excellent quality and integrated with the theoretical, modeling, and field components of related EERC research efforts.
• Adhere to laboratory safety protocols, and assist in regular review and updating of laboratory safety plans. 
• Work closely with senior staff, project managers, and laboratory staff to develop and expand the research-based efforts occurring in the laboratories.
• Provide technical assistance on projects related to critical minerals and rare-earth element analysis, extraction, separation, and purification and geologic materials characterization and/or the evaluation of geochemical reactions between fluids/gases and geologic formations, cements, metals and/or other manmade materials.
• Some travel is required.

At the EERC, we know our people are our greatest asset. Our team of over 275 is sought after worldwide to solve energy and environmental challenges in innovative ways. Since 1951, we’ve worked with over 1300 clients in 53 countries. We recognize that quality, market-driven science and engineering technologies come from engaged, motivated employees. We encourage lifelong learning through our Employee Development Program and offer many opportunities for both professional and personal growth. In addition to competitive salaries and an outstanding benefits package, the EERC provides opportunities for inventors of commercialized technologies to share in the profits. As part of the University of North Dakota, employees are eligible for tuition waivers and reduced tuition for family members. Apply with us for a position that can turn into a lifelong passion as you thrive in a positive work community.

For more information regarding the EERC, visit www.undeerc.org.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Communication
  
  • Communicate with managers, coworkers, and other groups within the EERC, including providing technical expertise and mentoring.
  • Communicate with clients outside the EERC, including initiating contacts and preparing proposals that assure that their goals are accurately described and addressed.
  • Contribute to technical papers and reports
• Technical
  • Operate and maintain equipment, including ordering supplies and assuring quality control.
  • Design experimental procedures and matrices, including innovation in the development of new procedures and solving unforeseen problems.
  • Maintain a high level of technical knowledge, including currency with the literature, so that data interpretation and testing procedures are as accurate as possible.
  • Interpret data to meet the overall goals of the client, including discussions with the client to define the goals as closely as possible.
  • Identify potential problems in existing procedures, and identify areas that need improvement.
• Management Skills
  • Perform project management, including meeting deadlines for testing and reporting and accomplishing work within budget.
  • Perform personnel management, including overseeing the activities of researchers and technicians in a research group to assure that customer goals are achieved. Assist in personnel activity planning and training to assure that personnel capabilities are fully used and expanded.
  • Manage cost center, including developing and executing strategies to eliminate debts and prevent future debt accumulations.
  • Direct the preparation of cost center budgets and charges.
• Other Research-Related Duties
  • Document all ideas, inventions, and intellectual property in a witnessed laboratory notebook (inventions must be dated and witnessed by at least one person).
  • Back up pertinent documents and data routinely.
  • Be aware of and follow safety guidelines and procedures. Report any hazards and/or near-miss conditions if necessary. 

Required Competencies

• Experience working on applied scientific research projects.
• Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation maintenance and light repair/modifications.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated laboratory management experience.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Knowledge and willingness to learn about new technologies.
• Adherence to and promotion of good safety practices in the workplace and field.
• Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Experience preparing proposals, technical reports, and documents and preparing and delivering technical presentations.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in analytical chemistry, geochemistry, chemical engineering, or closely related field with strong fundamental knowledge of analytical chemistry.
• At least 10 years of scientific research experience working in the energy or mining industry, at a research facility, a national laboratory, or a commercial laboratory.
• At least 6 years of experience working in a laboratory environment, including data analysis and processing, adherence to and implementation of laboratory safety and quality assurance (QA)/quality control (QC) protocols.
• At least 6 years of experience in one or more of the following areas: critical minerals analysis, extraction, separation, and purification; the analysis and evaluation of subsurface media and/or fluids as they pertain to oil and gas development or subsurface storage of CO2, hydrogen, natural gas, or natural gas liquids; corrosion analysis and evaluation; solid and liquid fuels analysis; or brine characterization.
• Cover letter and resume/CV.
• Successful completion of criminal history records check.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in analytical chemistry, geochemistry, chemical engineering, or closely related field.
• 15 or more years of scientific research experience in the energy or mining industry, a research facility, a national laboratory, or a commercial laboratory.
• At least 5 years of experience managing an analytical research laboratory.
• Demonstrated experience cultivating, developing, proposing, and executing topically relevant research opportunities aligned with the EERC’s core research portfolio.
• Experience with ICP-MS or ICP-OES analysis of trace metals, including rare-earth elements and other critical minerals.
• Proficiency and experience with one or more of the following: experimental design, analytical methods development, gas chromatography and hydrocarbon analysis, or geochemistry.

To Apply

This position is open until filled with initial review of applications on November 6, 2023.